Introduction To Poultry Science From foukeffa.org Written by Chris Sadek Ag Student Texas A&M GA Ag Ed Curriculum Office To accompany the Georgia Agriculture Education Curriculum Lesson 02421-3.1 July 2001

The Student will be able to… Locate and describe the potential employment opportunities in major poultry production areas. List the states that lead in broiler, egg, and turkey production. Recall the major poultry enterprises.

The Student will be able to… List some economic advantages in poultry production. Name three trends in poultry production and consumption.

Broiler Production Arkansas Georgia Alabama North Carolina Mississippi The use of Broilers (chickens) for the production of meat. This includes whole carcasses as well as parts. Arkansas Georgia Alabama North Carolina Mississippi

Egg Production California Indiana Georgia Pennsylvania Ohio Texas The use of chickens, mainly Leghorns or Leghorn crossbreeds for the production of Eggs. Usually the white eggs that you buy in the grocery store. California Indiana Georgia Pennsylvania Ohio Texas North Carolina

Turkey Production North Carolina Minnesota California Arkansas The use of turkeys to supply meat in whole carcasses and in parts. The are usually White Birds. Wild turkeys are not used. North Carolina Minnesota California Arkansas Virginia Missouri

Poultry Enterprises Broiler Production Egg Production Turkey Production Ducks Pigeons, Guinea Fowl, Geese

Supporting Industries Poultry Equipment- Hatching, Brooding, Feeding, Processing, Packaging Poultry Supplies- Feed, Medications Transportation Warehousing and Refrigeration

? How many eggs do you eat? ? Estimate the number of eggs you eat in a week. Consider breakfast, cakes, etc… Multiply that by 52. The average person eats 261 eggs per year

Trends The poultry industry in the U.S. started on family farms in the Midwest where grain production was concentrated. The Southeast gained a competitive edge in the poultry industry because of the mild climate and vast pool of labor in that region.

Trends Growth of the poultry industry is predicted to increase at a rate of 2 to 3 percent a year. Broilers are now the number one meat by volume sold in the United States. Although per capita egg consumption has decreased since 1944, total egg consumption has remained steady.

Trends The turkey industry has changed from a bird production industry to a meat industry and is much more extensively turning the whole carcass into specialized meat products. Boneless roasts, Sausage, Ham, Ground meat, Bologna, Hot dogs, Smoked meats.

Economic Advantages Poultry production provides quick returns on the investment. Poultry is efficient to produce. Poultry income is distributed throughout the year. Poultry production is adaptable to large and small farms.

Economic Advantages The poultry industry provides for a quick turnover of capital. Poultry markets are standardized and well established. Poultry production may be a full time or part time occupation.

Career Opportunities Production- Broilers, Eggs, Turkeys, Hatching eggs, Started-ready to lay pullets. Equipment Suppliers Hatcheries Feed Manufacturers Processing Plants

Career Opportunities Packaging Plants Veterinary Care Transporters

Activity In groups, on the paper provided, draw a picture that depicts today’s poultry industry. On the paper write down 10 things that today’s lesson has taught you about the poultry industry. Good Luck!!